FJ80, a good buy in today's market?

I just had to sell my 98 Taco because of frame rust and I just found a 97 LC with open diffs and very minimal rust underneath here in town.

I talked them down to $8k, which would really stretch my current budget, but I was wondering if this is a good deal in today's market; can they be expected to keep increasing in value even when gas prices eventually go up?

I plan to DD it and use it for light to moderate trails (only upgrade would be tires), so would this be my best bang for buck, or am I better off getting a cheaper 4x4? I was thinking of a first gen Xterra, 2nd gen 4runner, Isuzu Trooper, Montero, etc.

Attached below is the listing; I'd appreciate any advice.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=590959618&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&modelCodeList=LC&city=Fayetteville&state=AR&zip=72701&location=&dma=&searchRadius=50&listingTypes=USED&isNewSearch=false&referrer=/cars-for-sale/toyota/land-cruiser/fayetteville-ar-72701?&clickType=listing

 

Is it triple locked? $8k seems good in this market for a Landcruiser if it's well kept and in good shape. For out here (west) anyway.

keep in mind that while Landcruisers have legendary reliability and capability, age and mileage do wear parts out and LCs are typically more expensive to maintain due to how overbuilt they are. More expensive parts, more labor involved in replacement etc.

As far as 4runners go, I would avoid the 2nd generation and look for a 3rd instead. 2nd gens either had the 22re 4 banger or the anemic and unreliable 3.0 v6.

 

No, it just has the CDL. But triple locked would probably be overkill for my purposes, and it has a lot of maintenance records and hasn't been thrashed/off-roaded, at least not in the last 100k miles/10 years. I figure any truck over 20 years old is gonna be a PITA to keep on the road, but I'm kinda wary of deceptively cheap trucks that turn into money pits. I'm hoping the 80 will be a better bet than a 4runner seeing as it was more overbuilt for American roads, though it being on original HGs does give me some pause. Radiator was just replaced though.

You can get an idea of the condition in the autotrader listing. Not great, not terrible.

I'd also consider another Taco. It was a great little truck, but it's seemingly impossible to find one where the frame isn't starting to go, even in Arkansas. The FJ80 frame means serious business, and this one seemed in very solid condition. It looked like it'd be very easy to get it looking like brand new.

 

Ask if the head gasket has ever been replaced. If not it will need it soon. That could be $5-7k to have done. Also as a daily driver if you get 12 mpg consider yourself lucky. At today's gas prices that's probably why he's parting with it.

 

Can't speak to FJ80, but if you're looking for cost effective you may be better off going with a 96-01 Jeep Cherokee 4.0.

Initial price will be lower, I'm sure up-keep will higher in the long run.

 

Yeah I asked about that and they said it's the original HGs as far as they know; but the cooling system seems well maintained: at least one flush in the Carfax history and the radiator was just replaced. Is the 1fz like the Rover v8 where they're pretty much guaranteed to pop?

And yea, I know they're notorious gas hogs. Maybe I'd just stick with 33s to keep it somewhat manageable. I don't have a long commute or anything.

 

I thought of that but a clean example that hasn't been absolutely thrashed will be almost at this same price point, I imagine. Those seem to be approaching collectible status in their own right. I suppose they're still not as rare though..

 

Yeh unfortunately with the 1FZ it's in the replacement zone. More of a when than if situation. Head is required to be milled.

 

If you can deal with the maintenance eventually it will be worth more than you paid for it. Put lockers on and you can out wheel a lot out there. As is it's more capable than most trucks on here.

 

Sounds like an expensive job if the head has to go to a machine shop. Any idea of rough costs/is it doable for an inexperienced DIYer? (at least for the install).

Also, can it be prevented with sealer, meticulous cooling system maintenance etc.? I'd like it to last until 250k at least. No signs of HG issues atm. I had a Subaru so I'm kinda used to HG woes.

 

Sorry, you're referring to the 80 or the XJ? Thanks for the advice btw

 

I think his statement could apply to either one haha

 

I did mine myself. It's doable. Need the Factory Service manual to do it and needs to be done exactly as written. Sealers make any cooling system worse. That will actually increase the likelihood of a HG fail on this. If you have the cooling system checked for a HG leak check then you could last for sure to 250k. Id take it to someone who knows how to properly test this for a HG leak. Blue water check usually is the best.

 

lol. the 80. I don't like to say the J word. I'm a Toyota guy.

 

Yeah that's probably true but I reckon the XJ would probably require more wrenching in the long run. Also I thought the frame/unibody was way weaker on those, like even more so than a first gen Taco.

Right now my main alternative is a 2000 Xterra in similar mileage condition, but I'm kinda worried that'll be a turd I'll just wanna get rid of in 6 months. They are only asking $3k though.

 

Yeh the 80 is full frame body on frame. They're like steel girders under there. Just way overbuilt.

It really can be an investment vehicle in the long run. Investment as in fun. It's basically the most coveted series LC outside of the 40 series. Until you drive it you won't understand.

 

Lol I figured. This is literally the only vehicle I would stretch my budget for like this, apart from maybe a GX470 or SFA pickup.

 

I know you may need to move quick but here's the online bible forum all LC owners go to. You can ask their opinions. They are wayyyy nicer there than here. Sorry, but it's true. But use the search before starting a new thread. Also go to your local clubhouse section as they may help you quicker and even go with you to look at it since they are experts on the 80.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/forums/80-series-tech.9/

 

Yeah thanks I had been looking at various threads over there. The seller is fair and is giving me until the end of Monday to make a decision. I'm also getting it inspected professionally on Monday so they can really look for exhaust/HG leaks etc. I can post an update here on whether I ended up making it happen or not.

 

AR. Clubhouse Just make a thread with it on there and could be the owner is a member too.

Yeh exhaust issues on this are frustrating. Cylinder #6 is where the gasket fails. Toyota updated the gasket design since.